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Which fractions of the visible spectrum of solar radiation are primarily absorbed by carotenoids of higher plants?
Your answer:
Correct answer: (b)
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Explanation
Why (b) is correct
Carotenoids absorb light mainly in the violet and blue region (about 400-500 nm). They pass this energy on to chlorophyll a and also protect chlorophyll from photo-oxidation.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) · your answer Carotenoids do not absorb red light; red is absorbed by the chlorophylls.
- (c) · your answer Green light is largely reflected, and red is absorbed by chlorophylls, not carotenoids.
- (d) · your answer Carotenoids absorb blue, but green light is hardly absorbed by them.
NCERT point: Accessory pigments such as carotenoids absorb wavelengths that chlorophyll a absorbs poorly and protect chlorophyll from photo-oxidation.
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